Dalmarnock will be the site of the athletes’ village for 2014 Commonwealth Games if Glasgow pulls off its bid to host the event.
The Scottish Executive today confirmed that the district in Glasgow’s east end is earmarked for the development of up to 2,500 new homes to house the Commonwealth Games athletes and officials.
Dalmarnock fended off competition from Sighthill, an area in the north of the city that was also short-listed.
The new village will be directly adjacent to the National Indoor Sports Arena and National Velodrome, allowing athletes to walk to two of the biggest competition venues.
After the Games, it will become a mix of social housing and private homes in a bid to regenerate one of the most deprived areas of the city.
The east end forms part of the multi-billion pound Clyde Gateway project, which will see a large part of the Clyde corridor area, stretching from Glasgow Green in the west to Cambuslang in the east, opened up for housing and economic activity.
A £248m investment secured by the Clyde Gateway Partnership in June will be used to create over 4m sq ft of commercial space, 10,000 new homes and the reclamation of almost 870 acres of derelict and contaminated land.
First minister Jack McConnell said: “Bringing the village to Dalmarnock is not just about building new homes.
“It is about building a better life for the residents of our biggest city. It is about building confidence in the communities of the east end and a better future for generations of ordinary Glaswegians.
“Winning the Games for Scotland will transform lives.”
Councillor Steven Purcell, the leader of Glasgow City Council, added: “I am absolutely delighted that Dalmarnock will be the site for the 2014 athletes’ village.
“Glasgow is a city that has undergone enormous change in recent years. Homes are being improved, schools are being built and sports facilities are better than ever.
“We must continue to renew, regenerate and reinvigorate our city.”
A variety of factors were considered during the decision-making process, including the availability of land and proximity to all Games venues.
The winning city will be announced in Sri Lanka in 2007.
References: EGi News 11/08/06
